ES2679796T3 - Joint support with improved range of motion stop - Google Patents

Abstract

A joint support device (300) for limiting the range of motion of a joint arranged between the proximal and distal sections of a limb, said joint defining an axis of rotation, said joint support device (300) comprising: a sleeve proximal (302), adapted to fit closely around said proximal section of said limb, and secure thereto; a distal sleeve (306), adapted to fit closely around said distal section of said end, and be secured thereto; said proximal and distal sleeves (302, 306) being each secured to the respective proximal and distal side plates (310, 312) on their medial and lateral sides, said proximal and distal side plates (310, 312) comprising cooperating holes to receive medial and lateral pivot axes (316), such that said proximal and distal side plates (310, 312) can be assembled together, thus defining an axis of rotation of said joint support device (300) substantially aligned with the axis of rotation of said joint; a first stop member (326) attached to one of said proximal and distal side plates (310, 312) on at least one of said medial and lateral sides, and a second stop member (328) releasably secured to the other of said proximal side and distal side plates (310, 312) on at least one of said medial and lateral sides, said first and second stop members (326, 328) being positioned so as to come into contact when extending said joint, to limit the range of motion of the joint; wherein the second stop member (328) releasably secured to the other of said proximal and distal side plates (310, 312) can be released therefrom, rotated to adjust the range of motion of the joint to be allowed, and re-secured ; and characterized in that said second stop member (328) is releasably attached to the other of said proximal and distal side plates (310, 312) by a first user-operable mechanism without tools to release and re-secure the second stop member (328) from the other of said proximal and distal side plates (310, 312), and by means of a second mechanism that requires the user to apply force to remove the second stop member (328) from the other of said plates proximal and distal laterals (310, 312).

Description

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DESCRIPTION

Joint support with improved range of motion stop Field of the invention

[0001] This invention relates to an improved joint support of an anatomical joint, such as a horse's giblet, which is provided with convenient and reliable adjustment for the range of motion (ROM) allowed to the joint. This is useful during training, for rehabilitation after an injury or surgery, and otherwise.

Background of the invention

[0002] US2014 / 0148746, which is considered to be the closest prior art, describes an articulation clamp with an adjustable ROM stop, as this application does. The adjustable ROM stop of the present invention, and the articulation clamp that employs it, are new and not obvious on that shown in US2014 / 148746. More specifically, Figs. 33 - 36 of US2014 / 0148746 disclose an orthopedic joint device, optimized to support a horse's knot, incorporating a ROM stop and elastic members adapted to increase the capacity of the horse's joint structure to support it as the joint moves in extension. Fig. 37 describes the ROM stop without the elastic members. The ROM stop of the present invention is equally useful in relation to articular clamps both with and without elastic members.

[0003] For convenience, Figs. 33-37 of US2014 / 0148746 are reproduced in this application as Figs. 1-5, respectively. The text that describes them is reproduced below, with the numbers of the figures corrected as follows:

Figs. 1-3 show an additional refinement, which uses the same structure as explained above with respect to Figs. 31 and 32, but also incorporating a motion range stop (ROM). Limiting the range of movement of the joint can be useful in the rehabilitation of musculoskeletal structures - again, both hard and soft tissues - after an injury or surgery. Early return to function is essential for the successful recovery of the patient from an injury. Some early range of motion exercises help attenuate the formation of adhesive scar tissue, promote more normal tissue formation and, therefore, increase functionality. Muscular atrophy is also less than what would occur if the lower limb were completely immobilized. However, unrestricted exercise is counterproductive, setting the stage for a new injury or a new injury formation and a longer and possibly unsuccessful outcome. The adjustment of the ROM to optimize it to the specific recovery state of the patient is desirable; In general, as the patient recovers, the ROM can be gradually increased.

[0004] This is achieved in the embodiment shown, by providing a stopper member ROM 216, which took place at pin 204 (Fig. 4) by means of a screw 220. As shown by the exploded view of Fig. 1 , a gear wheel 218 having external teeth 218a is keyed to the lower sleeve 202. The stop member ROM 216 has internal gear teeth (not shown) that mate with the external teeth of the gearwheel 218. The internal peripheral teeth and coincident external ones shown could be replaced with radial teeth on the coincident faces of the stop member ROM 216 and the lower sleeve 202. The stop member ROM 216 also comprises an arm 216a, which is arranged to rest against the stop 214 in the upper sleeve 200. Therefore, when the joint is extended, the stopping member ROM 216 rotates together with the lower sleeve 202 until the arm 216a makes contact with the stop 214, limits ndo the board ROM. As the patient recovers, and the increased ROM becomes desirable, the relative position of the stopper member ROM 216 with respect to the lower sleeve 202 can be adjusted simply by removing the screw 220, removing the stopper member from the ROM 216 to separate the teeth from each other, turning it counterclockwise and returning it to its new position.

[0005] There are numerous alternative designs for ROM stoppage that will occur to those skilled in the art, and are to be considered within the scope of the invention. These include a non-extensible cord, which extends between the fixation points of the elastic tension member 212, and of appropriate length to limit the ROM as desired. The ROM setting could be provided by the use of cables of different lengths, or by providing a selection of fixing points that would provide different effective lengths. The cord could also be provided in the form of a tubular band length, possibly enclosing the elastic tension member 212. Other alternatives include a plate fixed to the upper sleeve 200 in the approximate position of the stop 214, with several holes for receiving a stop pin that it would rest against a block in the lower sleeve 202; By providing a series of holes for the stopper pin, the ROM could be adjusted.

[0006] It is also desirable to provide the tension adjustment exerted by the elastic tension member 212; for example, as the joint recovers from an injury or surgery, it may be desirable to gradually reduce

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the tension exerted for a given degree of joint flexion. This can be achieved in several ways. For example, one or more of the flat belts 212c of the elastic tension member 212 can be simply cut. Different elastic tension members 212 may be used having different characteristics, or multiple elastic tension members 212 may be used initially, and may be progressively removed as the joint is recovered. The fixing point of the elastic tension member 212 in any of the upper sleeves 200 or in the wing member 210 can be varied, as can the design of the wing member 210; if the wing member 210 is effectively extended, for example, by testing multiple points of attachment along its length, more tension will be exerted for a given degree of joint extension. Also, the point at which the elastic tension member 212 begins to exert tension and support the joint can be varied as desired by varying the geometry of the device.

[0007] Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the function of the elastic tension member 212 could be provided by other types of devices, such as tension, compression, blade, fork or torsion. The cord containing a dilating material discussed above with respect to Fig. 16 could also be used. These should be considered within the meaning of "elastic tension member", except when the context or explicit language excludes such alternative devices.

[0008] It is also within the scope of the invention that the device could also be made so that the elastic tension members on both sides of the clamp could be adjusted independently of each other. For example, it may be desirable to provide more tension on one side than on the other when the lesion is asymmetric.

[0009] As indicated, the embodiment of Figs. 31 and 32 includes the elastic tension member to help support the tensile loads on the tendons, while the embodiments of Figs. 1 - 3 add to this the ROM stop feature. It is also within the scope of the invention to provide the ROM stop feature without the elastic tension member; This could also be useful in rehabilitation. Figure 5 shows the modification of the device shown to include only the ROM stop. As illustrated, again a stop member ROM 216 is secured to the lower sleeve by an arrangement that allows adjustment of its relative radial positions. The stop member ROM 216 comprises an arm 216a arranged to rest against a stop 214 secured to the upper part of the sleeve 200.

[0010] Therefore, as indicated above, No. of being. 14 / 106,300 describes a gasket support that incorporates a ROM stop. The present application also does it, but it incorporates additional improvements in the top ROM.

Summary of the invention

[0011] The specific improvements made by the present invention refer to an allowed setting of the ROM. In the embodiment described by US2014 / 0148746, the adjustment is made by removing a small screw 220, releasing the ROM stop member 216, pulling the ROM stop member 216 axially outward enough to disengage the formed internal gear teeth inside the ROM stop member 216 from the outer teeth of the gearwheel 218, turning the stop member ROM 216 in the desired direction (counterclockwise to increase the ROM, in the view of figure 1) replacing it in its new position, and securing it with screw 220.

[0012] It will be apparent that this procedure requires a screwdriver or other tool, and that in the typical pen or horse stable it would be easy to lose screw 220, in particular if the horse should move while attempting to reinsert screw 220. Even if the screw were replaced by another fastener that could be handled by hand, such as a thumbscrew, and even if the screw was made captive, so that it is not lost, the screw could be released during the exercise, allowing the stopper assembly ROM moves from the desired position, or even falls, which could cause overextension of the joint and possible injuries. Therefore, an object of the invention is to provide a ROM stop that can be adjusted without tools, and to avoid the possibility of any component that is disengaged.

[0013] According to the invention, the cooperating gears determining the ROM are secured in their operative position by a sliding lock bolt structure, which can be operated by hand, which eliminates the possibility that the removable portion of the assembly accidentally detaches . One or more retained magnets are also provided in the assembly to avoid losing them; these require the application of force to "unlock" the ROM adjuster, reducing the possibility of the device being released during exercise.

[0014] Another object of the invention is to provide a directly readable scale indicating the allowed ROM, in order to simplify the adjustment. This is carried out in accordance with the invention by providing cooperating marks around the periphery of the adjustable part of the assembly.

Brief description of the drawings

[0015] The invention will be better understood if reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

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Fig. 1, corresponding to Fig. 33 of US2014 / 0148746, shows a perspective view of the prior art joint support, showing the ROM stop in a partially exploded view, with the joint straight.

Fig. 2, corresponding to Fig. 34 of US2014 / 0148746, shows a view similar to Fig. 1, and of the same embodiment, with the gasket extended;

Fig. 3, corresponding to Fig. 35 of US2014 / 0148746, shows an enlarged view similar to Fig. 1, with the device mounted.

Fig. 4, corresponding to Fig. 36 of US2014 / 0148746, is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5, corresponding to Fig. 37 of US2014 / 0148746, is a view similar to Fig. 1, illustrating a further modification;

Fig. 6 shows a front perspective view of the connecting clamp of the invention, which incorporates the improved ROM stop.

Fig. 7 shows a rear perspective view of it.

Fig. 8 shows an enlarged detail view taken in A in Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 shows an exploded view of the ROM stop of the invention, from the side;

Fig. 10 shows an exploded view of the ROM stop of the invention, from the medial side.

Fig. 11 shows an enlarged exploded view of the ROM stop assembly, which, as will be discussed in detail below, moves axially outwardly and is rotated to conform to the allowed ROM.

Fig. 12 shows a perspective view of the ROM stop assembly, which shows the inside thereof.

Fig. 13 shows a perspective view of the ROM stop assembly, which shows the outside thereof.

Fig. 14 shows an elevation of the union clamp of the invention.

Fig. 15 is a side view of the connecting clamp of the invention.

Fig. 16A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 16-16 of Fig. 15, with the sliding bolt in the closed position.

Fig. 16B is a comparable cross-sectional view taken along line 16-16 of Fig. 15, with the sliding bolt in the open position;

Fig. 17A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 17-17 of Fig. 15, with the sliding bolt in the closed position.

Fig. 17B is a similar cross-sectional view taken along line 17-17 of Fig. 15, with the sliding bolt in the open position. Y

Fig. 18 is an elevation view and Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a pivot shaft, provided separately for clarity of the other views.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiment

[0016] As indicated above, an object of the invention is to provide an articulation support with an improved ROM stopper mechanism allowing the ROM to be adjusted without tools, and without any disassembly, so that the parts do not they can be lost and the ROM can be adjusted conveniently. A further object of the invention is to provide easily visible indications describing the ROM provided, for convenience and consistency of the ROM setting.

[0017] These objects are fulfilled by the articulation support and a better ROM stop mechanism of the invention, as will be seen below.

[0018] As in US2014 / 0148746, the articulation support comprises upper and lower sleeves fixed to the anatomical structure on each side of the joint to be protected, and pivots with each other at medial and lateral pivot points such that an axis is defined of pivot that approximately coincides with the atomic junction. The cooperating butt members fixed to the upper and lower sleeves collide with the extension of the joint to limit the ROM of the joint. The ROM is adjusted by adjusting the point at which the cooperating members touch.

[0019] Also, as in US2014 / 0148746, a fixed stop is securely attached to one of the upper and lower sleeves, and a ROM stop adjustable to the other of the upper and lower sleeves. The adjustable ROM stop is provided on an external gear with internal teeth, while an internal gear with external teeth is fixed on the other of the upper and lower sleeves. The adjustment of the ROM is carried out by moving the external gear axially outward to disengage it from the fixed gear, which allows repositioning.

[0020] As will be apparent, for the articulation support to function properly to limit ROM, the components must be firmly fixed to each other so that they do not decouple in use. In document US2014 / 0148746, this was achieved using a single screw. This allowed the possibility of the screw being released or lost, and the screw could be difficult to reinsert in some circumstances.

[0021] According to the present invention, a mechanism is provided for fixing the clamp components in the desired position to control the rOm, while adjustment without dismantling and without tools is allowed. A first securing mechanism includes a sliding closure mechanism that can be operated by hand and positively blocks the components in the desired position, but can be easily released to allow

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ROM setting. A second clamping mechanism employs magnets to secure the components of the ROM stop mechanism to each other.

[0022] In the following, the articulation support comprising the improved ROM stopper mechanism of the invention is described. Common components are commonly numbered, and the features of the invention more clearly illustrated by the various views will be described with respect to each.

[0023] Therefore, Figs. 6, 7, 14 and 16 show views of the entire joint clamp, and Fig. 8 shows a detail of Fig. 7 on a larger scale, for clarity. Figs. 6 and 7 show the clamp as used to limit the ROM of a horse giblet, but it will be appreciated that the joint clamp of the invention would be useful with other anatomical joints, including the human one.

[0024] The articulation support 300 comprises an upper sleeve 302 secured to an upper member of the joint whose ROM must be limited (in the case of a horse's giblet, the cane bone), by the straps 304, and a lower sleeve 306 secured to the other member of the joint (in the case of the knuckle of a horse, the bone of the quarter), by a strap 308. The sleeves 302 and 306 may be molded of a resistant or similar plastic material.

[0025] The upper and lower sleeves 302 and 306, respectively, are joined to each other by means of upper and lower side plates 310 and 312, respectively, which are provided on both medial and lateral sides of the articulation support 300. The mechanism ROM stop must only be provided on one side of the union clamp 300; As illustrated, it is normally used only on the lateral side, to avoid interference with the opposite leg of the horse.

[0026] The upper and lower sleeves 302 and 306, respectively, are attached to the upper and lower side plates 310 and 312, respectively, by rivets or other fasteners, as indicated in 314 (Fig. 15).

[0027] The upper and lower side plates 310 and 312, respectively, are fixed to each other in order to freely pivot about an axis that is substantially aligned with the anatomical joint to be protected. The structure that defines the lateral pivot axis between the upper and lower side plates 310 and 312, respectively, is shown in detail, and is part of the ROM stop assembly, as will be seen below; The medial pivot structure is generally similar.

[0028] The structure defining the lateral pivot axis between the upper and lower lateral plates 310 and 312 respectively comprises a central pivot axis 316. In the embodiment shown, the pivot axis 316 is radially symmetrical, so that it can be rotated from a metal or plastic cylinder (depending on the use; a horse's knuckle clamp will probably have to be made of metal, while one for, for example, a human wrist could be made of plastic), or molded into a single piece . The detailed structure of pivot shaft 316 is shown separately in Figs. 18 and 19, to avoid saturating the other drawings with excessive reference numbers.

[0029] Therefore, as shown in Figs. 18 and 19, the outer surface of the pivot shaft 316 is formed to define a medial support surface 316a of a first diameter, which has a pressure groove 316f inside, an intermediate support surface 316b of greater diameter than the surface of medial support 316a, a recess closure 316c of reduced diameter, an exterior location surface 316d defining a blocking projection 316k, and a bore 316e. The internal surface of the bore 316e is additionally formed to define bushing recesses 316g and 316h, pin bearing surface 316i, and an internal location surface 316j.

[0030] As shown in the cross-sectional views of Figs. 16A and B and Figs. 17A and B, the lower side plate 312 is formed to define a stepped bore 312a, so that when the pivot shaft 316 is inserted into the bore 312a, the lower side plate 312 is located at the intersection of the stepped bore 312a with the joining the middle part support surface 316a and intermediate support surface 316b. This can be a snap fit, so that the lower side plate 312 and the pivot shaft 316 rotate together with respect to the upper side plate 310. The upper side plate 310 fits over the inner end of the inner support surface 316a, with a bushing 318 interposed between them, to allow free rotation. The assembly of the upper and lower side plates 310 and 312 and the pivot shaft 316 is made permanent by a retaining ring 320 that fits into the elastic ring groove 316f.

[0031] If the upper and lower side plates 310 and 312, respectively, are made of a material that is machined or made of aluminum, a thrust washer 322 made of a low friction plastic material such as acetal may be interposed between them. . The washer 322 can be held in position by an elastic pin 324 received in corresponding holes in the washer 322 and the upper side plate 310. If the upper and lower side plates 310 and 312 are made of a non-seizing material, as if plastic molding, thrust washer 322 can be omitted.

[0032] The same pivot joint structure, with the pivot shaft 316 cutting on the right side of the

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Intermediate bearing surface 316b (referring to Figs. 18 and 19) can be used on the medial joint support side 300 to join the upper and lower lateral medial plates 310 and 312.

[0033] According to the objects of the invention, the range of motion (ROM) allowed by the articulation support 300 of the invention is that it is easily adjustable to allow convenient variation of the ROM, for example, when a patient is recover from an injury or surgery.

[0034] The limitation of the ROM is provided by collaborating with the stop members secured to the upper and lower side plates 310 and 312 that are supported to avoid additional relative rotation, thereby limiting the ROM. The ROM adjustment capability is provided by making one of the stop members move with respect to the corresponding side plate. In the embodiment shown, a stop member 326 is fixed to the upper side plate 310, while a stop member 328 is mounted to lower the side plate 312 in such a way that its orientation can be easily adjusted to allow the selection of a desired ROM. However, the relative provision of these functions could be reversed, and this should be considered within the scope of the invention.

[0035] As illustrated, the upper stop member 326 may comprise a pad 326a of a hard rubber or as an elastic material, to absorb the shock of the stop DE members that come into contact with each other.

[0036] To provide a relative angular adjustment of the positions of the stop members 326 and 328, the gears are provided 330 and 332 cooperating. The gear 330 has external teeth and internal gear teeth 332a 332, of the same specification, so that when the teeth of the gears 330 and 332 are engaged, their relative movement is avoided. The gear 330 is fixed to the lower side plate 312 by the pins 334, while the gear 332 is integrally formed or fixedly mounted to stop the member 328. Therefore, when the gear 332 is engaged with the gear 330, the lower sleeve 306 rotates together with the lower side plate 312 when the giblet extends - that is, after clockwise rotation of the lower sleeve 306 in the view of Fig. 6, for example - the articulation ROM is limited when the stop member 328 stops with the stop member 326.

[0037] As above, an object of the invention is the ready and convenient adjustment of the allowed ROM, without tools and without the possibility of losing parts. The adjustment is provided as follows: the gear 332 simply moves axially outwardly out of engagement with the gear 330, the gear assembly 332 and the stop member 328 rotate to the desired position, and the gear 332 is reengaged in engagement with gear 330.

[0038] The mechanism by which the gear 332 can be conveniently released from its engagement with the gear 330 and re-secured thereto after adjustment as desired according to an important aspect of the invention. This is achieved as follows.

[0039] The main mechanism for safely releasing gears 332 and 330 in engagement with each other comprises a sliding bolt 336. As shown more clearly in Fig. 11, the sliding bolt defines an opening generally of a circuit shape - having essentially two semicircular ends separated by straight sections - indicated at 336a and closed by a lower coupling member 336b. The sliding bolt 336 slides in a passage 338c defined by the opposite parallel walls 338a formed in a molded slide assembly cover 338, and is deflected outward by a spring 340 received in a recess 338b in a slide assembly lid 338 A contoured outer contact surface 336c is provided to receive the user's finger, to press the sliding bolt 336 inward against the load of the spring 340. The sliding bolt 336 is confined in the passage 338c, and the spring 340 in the recess 338b, by means of a sliding assembly plate 342. The gear 332 and the sliding assembly plate 342 are secured to the cover of the sliding assembly 338 by the pins 344, forming a unitary ROM stop assembly 346 in which the only moving parts are the sliding bolt 336 and the spring 340. An outer decorative cover 358 completes the ROM 346 butt assembly.

[0040] As shown by the cross-sectional views of Figs. 16A and B, and Figs. 17A and B, the stopper assembly ROM 346 is assembled to the pivot shaft assembly 316 and the upper and lower side plates 310 and 312 by means of a head pin 348 received in a central bore in the cover of the sliding assembly 338, and which It has a slot of circlip 348a at its medial end. The pin 348 can be secured to the cover of the slide assembly 338 when the latter is molded. The groove 348a passes through the hole in the shaft 316 and receives a safety ring 350 to secure the stopper assembly ROM 346 to the upper and lower side plate assembly 310 and 312. The medial and lateral bearings 351 and 353 respectively are preferably provided between pin 348 and pivot shaft 316. Pin 348 slides into the center pin bearing surface 316i of axis 316.

[0041] As also shown by the cross-sectional views of Figs. 16A and B, and Figs. 17A and B, the pivot shaft 316 fits inside the opening 336a of the sliding bolt 336. As can be seen from

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comparison of Figs. 16A and B, in the locked position of Fig. 16A, the lower hitch member 336b of the bolt 336 fits into the hitch recess 316c of the shaft 316, which rests against the locking shoulder 316k, and is held in this position "locked" by the spring 340, thereby securing the ROM stop assembly 346 so that the gears 330 and 332 are interconnected, preventing the relative rotation thereof and therefore fixing the position of the stop member 328. Accordingly, to adjust the allowed ROM, the sliding bolt is pushed inwards by the finger, against the load of the spring 340, unhooking the lower hook member 336b of the latch 336 of the locking recess 316c of the axis 316, to take an "unlocked" position , as shown in Fig. 16B. The stopper assembly ROM 346 can be pulled axially outward, decoupling gears 330 and 332 from each other, to the position shown in Figs. 16B and 17B, turned to the desired position, and moved in the medial direction, back to the locked position. The distance through which the ROM stop assembly 346 can be pulled axially outward is controlled by the separation between the adjusting ring 350 and the surface of the medial end of the medial sleeve 351. When the stop assembly ROM 346 reaches again its original locked position as shown in Figs. 16A and 17A, the spring 340 pushes the sliding bolt 336 outward, so that the lower application element 336b of the latch 336 is reattached with the retaining recess 316c of the shaft 316, securing the stop assembly ROM 346 in the locked position.

[0042] It will be evident that it would be possible, although unlikely, for a lump of dirt, a stone or a stick to be thrown during the exercise of a horse equipped with the articulation support of the invention such that the sliding bolt 336 and allow rotation of gear 332 with respect to gear 330, thus varying the allowed ROM and possibly leading to injury. To avoid this, a second retention mechanism is provided that holds the ROM stop 346 in the locked position even after the sliding hitch 336 moves inward, that is, so that a certain amount of force must be exerted to move the ROM 346 stop assembly axially out after latch 336 is disengaged from shaft 316.

[0043] In the preferred embodiment shown, this additional restriction mechanism is provided by magnets 352, which are retained in cooperating recesses 342a on slider mounting plate 342 and 338d on sliding assembly cover 338. Magnets 352 they are closely juxtaposed to the gear 330 when the stopper assembly ROM 346 is in the coupled position of Figs. 16A and 17A, and exert an attractive force on the gear 330, so that this force must be overcome by the force exerted by the hand pulling out the stopper assembly ROM 346 to move the gear 332 out of the gear 330 and adjust The ROM allowed. Therefore, an additional restriction is provided.

[0044] This magnetic clamping system requires that gear 330 comprise at least some amount of, or be made entirely of, a ferromagnetic material, possibly ferromagnetic stainless steel. A different way of providing an additional restraint mechanism would be to provide a spring 354 under a washer 356 and secured by the elastic ring at the medial end of the pin 348. See Fig. 17A. This would also require the outward axial force that would be exerted to disengage the gear 332 from the gear 330 and provide additional restriction. This alternative would also allow the elimination of the magnets 352, would allow the gear 330 to be made of a less expensive and lighter material, for example, to be molded of plastic, and would allow the sliding assembly plate 352 to be thinner, since that it would not need to define recesses 342a to receive magnets 352. On the other hand, an advantage of the use of magnets as opposed to a spring is that the force exerted by the magnets is reduced as the gear 332 is removed, making it easier for the user holds the ROM 346 stop assembly in the unlocked position; if a spring is used, the force required to hold the ROM 346 stop assembly in the unlocked position increases as the ROM 346 stop assembly is removed.

[0045] Again, the choice of gear materials 330 and 332 will depend on the use. In an equine application, these gears will probably need to be made of metal; In a human application, they can be molded of plastic.

[0046] It will also be appreciated that the number of teeth engaged in gears 330 and 332 will control the number of ROM options made available; if a 5 ° adjustment is desired, 72 teeth will be needed in gears 330 and 332.

[0047] The latch could also be provided differently. For example, a lever pivoted about an axis perpendicular to the axis 316 and offset to one side of the cover of the slide assembly 338 could be used to releasably secure the gears 330 and 332 in engagement with each other.

[0048] Finally, as mentioned above, an objective of the intervention is to provide indications that indicate the amount of ROM allowed, in order to allow the convenient adjustment of the ROM by coupling gears 330 and 332 in a relative position desired. This is achieved as shown in Detail A in Fig. 8, and in Figs. 11 and 12. A 360 series of numbers indicating varying amounts of ROM grades are stamped or engraved on the outer circumference of the gear 332, opposite a fiducial mark 362 on the lower arm 312. As the gear 332 is rotated to set the ROM, a different from the 360 series of

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Numerals are arranged in front of fiducial mark 362, indicating the degree of ROM allowed.

[0049] As mentioned above, the ROM stop of the invention could be used in a joint support also providing elastic members that aid in the joint support, as in Figs. 1 - 3.

[0050] Therefore, while a preferred embodiment of the invention has been described in detail, the invention is not limited thereto, but only by the following claims.

Claims (11)

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An articulation support device (300) for limiting the range of motion of a joint disposed between the proximal and distal sections of a limb, said articulation defining a rotation axis, said articulation support device (300) comprising: a proximal sleeve (302), adapted to fit tightly around said proximal section of said limb, and secure thereto; a distal sleeve (306), adapted to fit tightly around said distal section of said limb, and be secured thereto; said proximal and distal sleeves (302, 306) each being secured to the respective proximal and distal side plates (310, 312) on their medial and lateral sides, said proximal and distal side plates (310, 312) comprising cooperating holes for receiving medial and lateral pivot axes (316), such that said proximal and distal lateral plates (310, 312) can be assembled together, thus defining a rotation axis of said joint support device (300) substantially aligned with the axis of rotation of said joint; a first stop member (326) fixed to one of said proximal and distal side plates (310, 312) on at least one of said medial and lateral sides, and a second stop member (328) releasably secured to the other of said proximal side and distal side plates (310, 312) on at least one of said medial and lateral sides, said first and second stop members (326, 328) being positioned so that they come into contact when extending said joint, for limit the range of motion of the joint; wherein the second stop member (328) releasably secured to the other of said proximal and distal side plates (310, 312) can be released therefrom, rotated to adjust the range of motion of the joint to be allowed, and reinsured ; and characterized in that said second stop member (328) is releasably fixed to the other of said proximal and distal side plates (310, 312) by a first mechanism operable by a user without tools to release and re-secure the second stop member (328) from the other of said proximal and distal side plates (310, 312), and by a second mechanism that requires the user to apply force to remove the second stop member (328) from the other of said plates proximal and distal laterals (310, 312). 2. The articulation support device (300) of claim 1, wherein the first stop member (326) is fixed to the proximal side plate (310) and the second stop member (328) is releasably secured to the distal lateral plate (312). 3. The articulation support device (300) of claim 1, comprising a first gear fixed to the other of said proximal and distal side plates (310, 312) and a second gear to which said second stop member is fixed (328), said first and second gears engaged with each other to secure said second stop member (328) with respect to the other of said proximal and distal side plates (310, 312), and wherein said first and second mechanisms are actuated by a user to remove said second gear from said first gear to adjust the range of motion of the joint to be allowed. 4. The articulation support device (300) of claim 3, wherein said first gear is generally circular and has teeth on its outer periphery and said second gear is ring-shaped and has teeth engaged on an inner surface of said ring, so that when said second gear is secured within said first gear, said second stop member (328) is fixed with respect to said distal side plate (312), and so that said second gear can be axially removed from within of said first gear to adjust the range of motion of said device (300). 5. The articulation support device (300) of claim 4, wherein said first mechanism operable by a user without tools to release and re-secure the second stop member (328) of the other proximal and distal side plates (310, 312), comprises a latch that must be operated by a user against the thrust of a spring to allow said second gear to be axially removed from within said first gear to adjust the range of motion of said device (300). The articulation support device (300) according to claim 5, wherein said latch comprises a sliding bolt pushed radially inward against the force of a spring to allow said second gear to be axially removed from said first gear to adjust the range of motion of said device (300). 7. The articulation support device (300) of claim 6, wherein said sliding bolt is axially secured with respect to said second gear, and comprises an opening generally in the form of a race track, which fits on an axis of pivot having a locking recess terminated by a shoulder, wherein said sliding bolt rests against said shoulder to secure the second gear within the first gear, and whereby said sliding bolt is pushed radially inwardly, moving a portion distal of said latch beyond said shoulder, allowing said sliding bolt and the second stop member (328) to move axially outward. 5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 35 40 Four. Five fifty 55 60 65 8. The articulation support device (300) of claim 7, wherein said sliding bolt is confined in a defined passage between a slide assembly plate and a slide assembly plate. 9. The articulation support device (300) of claim 3, wherein said second mechanism requiring the user to apply force to remove the second stop member (328) from the other of said proximal and distal side plates ( 310, 312) comprises magnets that exert an attractive force that pushes said second wheel to engage with said first bearing. 10. The articulation support device (300) of claim 3, wherein said second mechanism requiring the user to apply force to remove the second stop member (328) from the other of said proximal and distal side plates ( 310, 312) comprises a spring that presses said second gear into the coupling with said first gear. 11. The articulation support device (300) of claim 10, wherein said spring is confined between a medial end of a pin adapter within said pivot shaft (316) and securing the side plates (310, 312 ) with each other, and a medial end of the pivot shaft (316).